Comparison of Flying-Hot-Wire and Stationary-Hot-Wire Measurements of Flow Over a Backward-Facing Step

Abstract

This paper is concerned with measurements of the flow field in the separated flow region behind a backward-facing step. The main instrument used in this research was Flying X Hot-Wire Anemometry (FHWA). Stationary (single normal) Hot-Wire Anemometry (SHWA) was also used. Comparative measurements between the SHW probe and the FHW system were conducted downstream of the step (step height H = 120 mm) and results are presented for axial locations of 1H and 2H. Two step configurations were considered; (i) a blunt leading edge with flow underneath (Case I) and (ii) a blunt leading edge with no flow underneath (Case II). It is observed from the results presented that the two Hot-Wire methods produce significantly different mean velocity and turbulence results inside the separation bubble. In particular, the SHWA method cannot detect the reverse flow velocity direction, while the Flying Hot-Wire clearly identifies the existing reverse flow. Also, in the shear flow region, the results presented indicate that measurements with a SHW probe must be treated with great caution.